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Building Bridges in Sarajevo

Monday, August 13, 2018

As many in the world worry about a compromised environment, threats to immigrants and the poor, and lack of global cooperation, theologians from around the world came together last month for “A Critical Time for Bridge-Building: Catholic Theological Ethics Today.”

USD Theology and Religious Studies Chair Emily Reimer-Barry and Assistant Professor Victor Carmona were among those attending the conference in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Their trip was funded by an International Opportunity Grant from USD's International Center.

Organizers said the event was designed “not predominantly for listening but for engagement. We hope that during these days we become transformed into a more vibrant network of solidarity, knowing that together we stand as a sign of effective Christian hope for a world at risk.”

Topics covered included farmworker solidarity and struggles for economic democracy, incorporating fieldwork into Catholic social teaching, and efforts to promote equality, sustainability and solutions for climate change.

There was “sense of urgency to the event,” Reimer-Barry said. “Ethnocentrism and nationalism are on the rise and populist movements are a destabilizing force, we are already dealing with the effects of climate change and can’t agree on how to proceed, globalization fosters increased economic inequalities, and on and on.”

The good news was the reflection and call to action, prompting her to ask herself, “In what areas of my life do I need to be bolder? In what areas do I need to be more engaged? I feel encouraged by the CTEWC network and the opportunity to remain in conversation with colleagues around the world as we all discern these questions for ourselves.” Click here to see her entire blog post.